Before heading off into your weekend, here are three quick hitting things that I’ve read and been thinking about this week. Hope they are as helpful and challenging to you as they have been for me. Have a great weekend!
#1
Rather than expecting a “kingdom of God” that replaces the human political order with a theocratic state, Luke appears to envisage the shaping of a people who live by an alternative construction of reality – he presents, in the proper sense of the term, a “utopian politics,” that is more possible to be realized by small intentional communities than by worldwide administrations.
Prophetic Jesus, Prophetic Church by Luke Timothy Johnson
Misunderstanding of what Jesus had come to do prevented many in Jesus’ day of embracing him. Judas. Religious leaders. Rich Young Ruler. And the list can go on and on. I am mindful that even today we fall into misunderstandings that prevent our fully embracing of Jesus. “Being strong means that I need do it on my own! “I don’t deserve God’s blessings.” There are others of course.
Unlearning a misunderstanding takes courage beyond our ability, particularly if the misunderstanding was learned and reinforced early in life. That is why it is so important to have trusted friends who think differently than we do and have different experiences and backgrounds. They can bring the grace of new perspective which may be the thing we need to see the ‘truth’ we are holding tightly too is actually holding us back from the fullness of God in Christ.
When was the last time you unlearned something or at least explored the possibility that you may have a misunderstanding your are clinging to?
#2
The gospel makes us neither self-confident nor self-disdaining but gives us boldness and humility that can increase together.
Center Church by Timothy Keller
Boldness and humility increasing together as a result of the gospel. Jesus called this meekness which may be another measure our faith journey. Are growing in boldness? Are we becoming more aware of the needs of others and acting in ways that support and nurture them without requiring thanks or credit?
#3
Human love constructs its own image of the other person, of what he is and what he should become. It takes the life of the other person into its own hands. Spiritual love recognizes the true image of the other person which he has received from Jesus Christ; the image that Jesus Christ himself embodied and would stamp upon all men.
Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I often see things in other people that they may, or may not, see in themselves. Oh, and so do you ! The first person to realize gifts and graces is often a friend or family member whereas the last is often the one in whom the gifts and graces reside. But…we must be careful to not rush in and begin shaping someone in our image or our image of what their potential holds.
Prayer. Encouragement. Opportunities. Space without pressure. These are all great gifts of patience to offer our gifted friends. And these acts of patience help the image of Christ instead of our desired image to be formed in them.
todd nelson 